Unpleasant, even dangerous, qualities can be found in every nation and every individual: it is cruel to demand that the Jew be an exception. In him, these qualities may even be dangerous and revolting to an unusual degree; and perhaps the young stock-exchange Jew is altogether the most disgusting invention of mankind.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Nietzsche claims that negative traits exist in every nation and individual, and it is unfair to exempt any group, including Jews, from this reality.
- In plain terms
- All peoples have flaws; no group should be singled out as exempt.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid double standards when judging moral qualities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can we discuss universal flaws without targeting specific groups?
- What responsibilities do we have when criticizing whole populations?
Another view
The statement is overtly anti‑Jewish and propagates hateful stereotypes.
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